Manhole frame, cover, and hydrant-holding assemblage



Sept. 6, 1927. 1,641,512

C. E. VAN HECKE MANHOLE FRAME, COVER, AND HYDRANT HOLDING ASSEMBLAGE Filed Dec. 23, 1926 v 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 amoewtoz 1mm QWQS'Z/QYMQQ I W I I I m Sept. 6, 1 927.

c. E. VAN HECKE MANHOLE FRAME, COVER, AND HYDRANT HOLDING ASSEMBLAGE Filed Dec. 25, 192 n 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Se t. 6, i927. fi fi C. E. VAN HECKE MANHOLE FhAME, COVER, AND HYDRANT HOLDING ASSEMBLAGE v Filed Dec. 25, 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Ewwawtoz 0 (lam/mu l atented Sept. 6, 1927.

UNH'ED STATES CHARLES E. VAN HECKE, OF STEVENS EOENT, W'ISGONSIN.

- MANHOLE FRAME, COVER, AND HY'DItANTfiXGLDING ASSEMBLAGE.

Application filed December 23,1926. Serial No. 156,723.

The invention relates to improvements in manhole frames and covers for use in connection with hydrants, and it is the object of such invention to provide a new and 1111- proved construction and arrangement of parts, producing a curved seat at one side of the manhole frame, and means for holding a hydrant engaged with the seat in such manher that the hydrant may be readily disconnected from the manhole frame and removed when it is necessary to make repairs or to replace itwith another hydrant.

With the foregoing in view, the invention resides in the novel subject matter hereinafter described and claimed, the description being supplemented by the accompanying drawings.

Figs. 1 and 2 are perspective views show ing the relation of the improved frame with a hydrant.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the manner in which the hydrant is finally tightened in itsholding means.

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view through the new assemblage ofvparts, illustrating a portion of the hydrant in elevation.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the manhole frame, the manhole cover, and the hydrant-holding strap shown in the preceding views.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the manner in which a hydrant having an exceptionally large base may be secured to the frame.

Fig. 7 is a horizontal section on line 7-7 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a perspective View of the hydrantholding strap and the anchoring hooks therefor, shown also in Figs. 6 and 7.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary horizontal section online 99 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 10 is a small side elevation showing a different form of frame.

In the drawings above briefly described, 10 designates a circular manhole frame, said frame having a substantially circular side wall 11, .a base flange 12 projecting outwardly from the lower edge of said wall, and reinforcing ribs 13 extending between said wall and flange. The general circular formation of the wall 11 is interrupted by an outwardly bowed portion 14 providing a substantially semi-cylindrical seat at the inner side of the wall, to engage one side of a hydrant 15. In the form of construction shown in' Figs. 1 to 5, one manner of securing the hydrant in the seat- 141:, is shown. In these views, 16 designates a substantially semi circular strap having laterally extended ends 1?, said strap being disposed at the portion ofthe hydrant opposite the seat 1 1 and having said ends 1! received in notches 18 formed in the upper edge of the seat-form' ing portion of the wall 11. The lower edge of the strap 16 is provided with an outwardly projecting flange 19 flush with an internal ledge 19 of the frame 10, said flange and ledge jointly supporting a cover 25 notched at 26 to engage the strap 16.

Between the notches 18, the upper edge of the seate't'orming portion of the wall 11 is preferably formed with a notch 20 nonrotatably zontally disposed bolt 22. A nut 23 is threaded. on this bolt and contacts with the inner side of the wall 11, so that by turning the nut in one direction, the bolt may be forced inwardly to force the hydrant toward receiving the head 21 of a hori-.

the strap 16. If the hydrant be of a diameter smaller than that of the seat 1 1 and strap 16 combined, a filler or fillers will be positioned between the strap and hydrant before tightening the nut 23. A filler has been shown in the form of a curved rod 24: but other suitable fillers could be used, and if the hydrant be of larger size, the filler may be omitted and the parts2223 also.

After the hydrant is positioned between the seat 1 1 and strap 16, a pipe jointer or other desired means (not shown) may be passed around it, and oakum and clay used also if necessary, to forma dam, permitting a molten sealing material to .be poured around the hydrant, between the latter and the parts 1 l16. lWhen this sealing material sets, it forms a tight seal 24 between the hydrantand the aforesaid parts 14-16. I

When the hydrant is tobe removed for repairs or to be replaced with another hydrant, the strap 16 may be hammered upwardly so that its lateral ends 17 are freed from the notches 18. Then, the hydrant may be disconnected from the main and removed from engagementwith the seat 14. The packing material 24- moved and when either the same hydrant is to be reset or another installed, the resetting or installing operation may be easily performed.

The strap 16, herein disclosed, is formed of a length of angle metal with end portions of its horizontal flange cup away, the vertical flange being backed up by a metal bar 16. I am not restricted however to this construction and if desired, a one-piece cast or forged strap may be employed.

When a hydrant is to be held, having a base of maximum size, such as shown .at 15 in Fig. 6, a strap 16 having lateral ends 17, is engaged with the portion of the hydrant opposite the seat let and at or near the lower end of this seat. Then, bolts 27 having hooks 28 at one end, are engaged with the base flange -12 and pass through openings in the lateral ends 17. lVhen the nuts 29 of these bolts are tightened, the hydrant will be effectively held in the seat 14.

A cover similar to that above described, will of "course be used when the hydrant is held as shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8, but the notch in the edge of the cover may then directly engage the hydrant.

Frames other than that so far described may be used. For instance, the frame 10 of Fig. i0 is desirable in some cases having a flange 12 at its upper edge. 14 of this vi-ew indicates a seat corresponding to the seat 14, and 13 are merely "bracing Webs.

Any form of the invention will permit quick and easy setting or removal of a by drant, will securely hold the latter in place, and will function also as a manhole frame andcover.

Excellent results have been obtained from the details disclosed, and hey may therefore be followed if desired. However, within the scope-of the invention as claimed various changes may be made.

I-cla'rm': 1. An assemblage of the class described comprising a manhole frame having an up standing side wall, tne latter being formed with a-n'outwa-rdly bowed portion providing ahydrant seat at the inner side of the frame, releasable means for holding a hydrant in said seat, and a manhole cover resting on the frame and having a notch for dlsposition at lthe side portion of the hydrant 0pposite the aforesaid seat.

'2. An assemblage of the class described comprising a manhole frame having an upstanding side wall, the latter being formed with an outwardly bowed portion providing a hydrant seat at the inner side of the frame, acurved strap for disposition around the :side of the hydrant opposite said seat,

l. An assemblage of the class described comprising a manhole frame having an upstanding side wall, the latter being formed with an outwardly bowed portion providing a hydrant seat at the inner side of the frame, and a curved strap for disposition around the portion of the hydrant opposite said seat, said strap and wall having releasably engaged means for supporting the strap in.

position to retain the hydrant engaged with theseat.

15. An assemblage of the class described comprising a manhole frame having an upstanding side wall, the latter being formed with an outwardly bowed portion providing a hydrant seat at the inner side of the frame, and a curved strap for disposition around the portion of the hydrant opposite said seat, said strap haying laterally extended ends, the upper edge of the said wall being formed with notches removably receiving said lateral strap ends.

A structure as specified in claim 2.; the up 1' edge of the seat-forming portion of saie wall having a notch, a bolt to engage the hydrant, said bolt having a head nonroita'tably received in said notch, and a nut threaded on said bolt and contacting with the inner side of said wall portion, tighten ing of the nut serving to project the bolt in- CHARLES E; van HEOKE. 

